CBD turbines first to greet the dawn

CBD Energy
has completed a somewhat symbolic project on New Zealand’s Chatham Islands – two wind turbines installed at a cost of $2.9 million.

The islands, about 800 kilometres east of Christchurch, have been part of New Zealand since 1842 and have only a very small population. But they are noteworthy for being the first inhabited land to “greet the dawn each day", as CBD managing director
Gerry McGowan put it.

He says he is pleased with the way the renewable energy source has integrated into the local power supply.

The company expects revenue from the project of $12.3 million over the next 20 years, when ownership will pass to the Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust.

CBD is chaired by former Howard government deputy prime minister
Mark Vaile.

In May, the company announced two large Chinese renewable energy businesses. Those agreements are for new and existing wind and solar projects in China and Australia.